Darwin Dale “Louie” Diehl, 87, of Alma, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday (April 9, 2025) at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.
Born June 27, 1937 in Alma, Kansas, Darwin was the son of George W. and Nina Cathleen (Lewis) Diehl. He married Joyce Elaine (Stuewe) Reavis on March 18, 1977 in Alma. She survives.
Growing up, Darwin was active with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He was a 1956 graduate of Alma High School. Darwin then joined the U. S. Army Reserves which he proudly served until 1963. In 2016 he went on an Honor Flight which was a highlight for him.
He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Alma and the American Legion Post No. 32 in Alma. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed traveling, taking trips to Europe, Canada, Alaska and the Caribbean. He traveled to 47 states and especially enjoyed his yearly trips to Branson. More recently, Darwin enjoyed word search puzzles.
Darwin had been employed for 24 years with the Alma Farmers Union Co-op Elevator. He later worked at K-Mart in Topeka and then as a groundskeeper with Kansas State University for 10 years until his retirement.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce; a daughter, Amy Summervill (Tim) of Marion, KS; a step daughter, Lesa Dierking (Bruce) of Marysville, KS; three grandchildren, Allison Dierking, Shelby Summervill and Trent Summervill; a brother, Frank Diehl (Shelley) of Lawrence, KS; two sisters, Glenda Lee (Terry) of Las Vegas, NV and Diana Trudo (Chris) of Wamego, KS; and several nieces and nephews.
Darwin was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, George W. Diehl Jr.; and a sister-in-law, Vona Diehl.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning (April 16, 2025) at 10:30 at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma with the Rev. Robert Grimm officiating. Burial with Military Honors by the United States Army Funeral Honors Detail and the Alma American Legion Post No. 32 will be in the Alma City Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday evening (April 15, 2025) from 6:00 to 7:30 at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma.
Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran School or the American Legion Post No. 32. Please make checks payable to the organization of your choice and those may be sent to Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.